preferito
/pre.feˈri.to/
The English phrase 'preferred' can be translated into Italian as preferito.
Preferito is used to describe something that is liked more than others of the same kind. While it can be used in a comparative sense to mean 'preferred', it is also the standard way to express the concept of 'favorite', such as saying il mio libro preferito for 'my favorite book'.
Which one should you use?
Preferito is the standard term for a preferred or favorite item. In contrast, preferenziale is a formal word used specifically to describe preferred access or preferred treatment.
How does it change in a sentence?
The word preferito can function in two ways. As an adjective, its form must agree in gender and number with the noun it modifies, resulting in the forms preferito, preferita, preferiti and preferite.
How do you pronounce it?
The word has 4 syllables, with the stress on the 3rd syllable: /pre.feˈri.to/.
Did you know?
- The word preferito comes from the Latin praeferre, which literally means 'to carry before' or 'to place in front'.
- While 'preferito' can mean 'favorite', using it to describe a person can sometimes imply they are the 'golden child' or are being treated with unfair favoritism in a family or social group.
- In Italian, you cannot use the word favorito as naturally as 'favorite' in English. While it exists, preferito is the default choice for everything from a favorite color to a favorite person.
Examples in context
- Ho sempre preferito la campagna.I've always preferred the countryside.This sentence shows how to use preferito to express a preference for the countryside.Tatoeba #11616369 by Nuel, translation #11616368 by Nuel
- Ho preferito scrivere in inglese.I preferred to write in English.This sentence uses preferito as part of a verb construction to show a preference for an action.Tatoeba #4934429 by Guybrush88, translation #1798857 by Amastan
- Il tennis è il mio sport preferito.Tennis is my preferred sport.This sentence uses preferito to indicate a favorite sport.Tatoeba #374329 by Pharamp, translation #927051 by riccioberto
- Il mio cibo preferito è la pizza.My preferred food is pizza.
- Qual è la tua stagione prediletta?What is your preferred season?
- 7 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Martina and Lorenzo are discussing their favorite colors.
- MartinaQual è il tuo colore preferito, Lorenzo?What is your preferred color, Lorenzo?
- LorenzoIl blu è decisamente il mio preferito.Blue is definitely my preferred one.
- MartinaDavvero? Io preferisco il rosso.Really? I prefer red.
- LorenzoIl rosso è bello, ma non è il mio preferito.Red is beautiful, but it is not my preferred one.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry preferito, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
